Gerontology

By 2030, 25% of Canadians will be over 65; 12% will be over 85 years of age. 75% of nursing medical time will be spent with older adults by 2020.

All health professionals (Nursing, Rehab, Social Work and Human Services) who work with aging adults need specialized knowledge and training to effectively educate, assess and care for older people. They require tools and skills to meet the complex physical, social, environmental, cognitive and spiritual needs of the elderly. Health professionals need the ability to analyze trends and challenges in the field of Geriatrics, and the skills to work with multiple disciplines to proactively respond to these.

Scope of Program

Following an overview of the emerging field of Geriatric studies, participants will consider the elements that contribute to healthy aging and analyze factors that deter or undermine wellness. The course modules will help each student develop a conceptual framework for geriatric assessment in the spheres of psychosocial, physiologic and mental health. A choice of several electives will allow each person to enrich their personal educational needs.

General Learning Outcomes

Interpret basic geriatric trends and issues

Accumulate and test a wide variety of health assessment tools

Be equipped to provide leadership in team settings

Demonstrate critical, innovative thinking in problem solving

Illustrate how to educate towards wellness

Develop advocacy skills at relational and policy-making levels

Program Design

This versatile Diploma Program will appeal to registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, physical therapists or occupational therapists, social workers or human services diploma professionals working in any care venues who seek specialization in gerontological care and who desire to take elective courses of personal interest in gerontology. Some courses may also be credited as electives in other university programs programs.

Distance Education allows professionals the flexibility to immerse themselves in a dynamic specialty while pursuing other life and career goals. Self-paced study allows each participant to adjust their education to their lifestyle and learning needs. Variety and choice within course assignments encourages the student to pursue topics of personal interest. Online interaction with other health professionals enhances learning and application of course content, and allows professionals to appreciate varied scopes of geriatric practice.